I'm the original owner of a beautiful 1989. I lose power when accelerating; the engine sounds like it's revving when I step on the gas, but the car doesn't really move forward. At first, it was only on the highway when shifting into higher gears, or going up hills, but lately, I've noticed that it's happening occasionally in lower gears (2nd and 3rd), particularly if I have a passenger. I do little highway driving, so it's been going on for quite some time. I recall this happening 10 or more years ago; the mechanic was stumped until the old Miata magazine had a brief piece about it being some kind of valve or something, and he was able to quickly fix it (I knew I shouldn't have thrown all those service records out!). I looked through all my back issues, but couldn't find the information.

I have replaced the clutch THREE TIMES in the past 6 years (the original lasted 15!!!). The last time, the mechanic said the actual clutch he used was evidently a bad one, and he had the part replaced by the manufacturer for free. I have 170,000 miles on the car, and I'm only putting about 3,000K per year on it (but mainly city driving).

 

You may need a new flywheel. Has it ever been resurfaced?
For a detailed explanation Click here: Flywheel Resurfacing

This is a site for parts:
Miata Clutch, Flywheel, Drivetrain - Mazda Performance Parts

 

I've never had it resurfaced. After 23 years, do you recommend just replacing it? Can you recommend that parts dealer (link you sent me?)?

 

Noggin is spot on. Here is how it's done:

A PICTORIAL GUIDE TO NA CLUTCH REPLACEMENT

 

I would just replace the flywheel. I cannot reccommend that link. Performance clutches are different than street city clutches and are not recommended for city driving.

This is a great article: http://www.mazdatrix.com/f-writng.htm
notice it has Mazda in title!

 

If you get a new flywheel you will also get a new cog for the starter. So, me being accurate once in a while, I would replace the starter as well so the worn starter cog is not damaging the new teeth on the flywheel.

But: you do only a few miles per year with this car. So unless the flywheel is completely burned out from the slipping I would go the resurfacing route. Ask your mechanic why he didn't do this in the previous clutch jobs. (Let us know what he replied). The way I see it he should resurface it without a charge in particular if he wants to keep you as a customer.

 

I talked to Rock Auto, and they have 3 that they said would work for my kind of driving; Rhinopac/World, Brute Power, and ATP. Any preference? ranges in price from 41-58 dollars (plus shipping).

 

I connot contribute to this decision. I hope someone has experience to share.

You could try a google search for opinions.